Goals of the American Cichlid Association
- To gather, organize, and disseminate knowledge of fish in the genetic family Cichlidae;
- To encourage and further the study and conservation of cichlids in their natural habitats, and in the hobby;
- To encourage the study and preservation of cichlids by awarding grants for research and conservation;
- To further the conservation of the natural habitat of cichlids;
- To provide a means for individuals to acquire and distribute cichlids;
- To promote fellowship amongst the members.
Official Position Statement on Wild Collection of Fish (23-Sep-2017)
In light of recent controversies regarding the wild collection of aquarium fish, the American Cichlid Association (ACA) wishes to clarify the position of the organization on this subject.
The ACA is an organization comprised of aquarists, scientists, educators, and conservationists. The ACA recognizes the need for both wild collection and aquaculture of fish for the aquarium hobby and research. Wild collection of fish is integral to ensuring genetic diversity in captive populations and promoting the introduction of new species and variants for the aquarium hobby and research.
As an organization dedicated to conservation, the ACA, in line with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), recognizes the conservation and economic necessity of sustainable-use fishery resources. Fishing for aquarium species generates sustainable income for fishers and ensures incentive to conserve habitat required to sustain the fishery.
It is the position of the ACA to support the continuation of sustainable aquarium fisheries worldwide, in addition to aquaculture.
